Printer incorporating a binding assembly

Abstract

A printer is disclosed. The printer includes a print media supply station for storing print media. The printer further includes a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media. A binding assembly station is also included which is configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack. A receptacle station receives the bound stack. The print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically.

1. A printer comprising:
 a print media supply station for storing print media; 
 a print engine station arranged to receive print media from the print media supply and to print on the print media; 
 a binding assembly station configured to apply adhesive along an edge of each sheet of print media after printed upon, and to compile the print media into a bound stack; and 
 a receptacle station configured to receive the bound stack; 
 wherein the print media supply station, the print engine station, the binding assembly station and the receptacle station are arranged vertically. 
 
     
     
       2. A printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said stations are configured so that the print media passes from the print media supply station to the binding station along a substantially straight path. 
     
     
       3. A printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the print engine station further includes a replaceable ink cartridge coupled with the print engines, the ink cartridge including bladders or chambers for storing fixative, adhesive, and a plurality of types of ink. 
     
     
       4. A printer as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the printer further comprises an air pump for supplying filtered air to printheads of the print engine station, and the ink cartridge contains an air filter interfaced with the air pump via a hose. 
     
     
       5. A printer as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein each print engine is configured to print ink and fixative simultaneously to facilitate drying of the printed print media. 
     
     
       6. A printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each print engine includes spiked wheels arranged to transport the printed print media. 
     
     
       7. A printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the binding assembly station includes an adhesive wheel assembly configured to roll the adhesive onto the print media. 
     
     
       8. A printer as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the print engine station includes a pair of printheads arranged to print opposite sides of the print media.